Haley Jenkins's List: Family and Food

The inherent symbolism of food pertains to more than simple sustenance —   issues of giving and receiving, and life’s interconnectedness are also   apparent. This dichotomy, sustenance vs symbolism, is exploited for all it is   worth, and contributes greatly to the evocative experience of the book. While   food is to be revered for its sustaining power, it is also important for its   conceptual value.